1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.

2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.

3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: d

Explanation:

Software as a service (SaaS) is application software hosted on the cloud and used over an internet connection by way of a web browser, mobile app or thin client.

Software as a service (SaaS) allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the Internet. Common examples are email, calendaring, and office tools (such as Microsoft Office 365).

SaaS provides a complete software solution that you purchase on a pay-as-you-go basis from a cloud service provider. You rent the use of an app for your organization, and your users connect to it over the Internet, usually with a web browser.

 All of the underlying infrastructure, middleware, app software, and app data are located in the service provider’s data center. 

The service provider manages the hardware and software, and with the appropriate service agreement, will ensure the availability and the security of the app and your data as well. 

SaaS allows your organization to get quickly up and running with an app at minimal upfront cost. 

Common SaaS scenarios

Web-based email service such as Outlook, Hotmail, or Yahoo! Mail 

With these services, you log into your account over the Internet, often from a web browser. The email software is located on the service provider’s network, and your messages are stored there as well.

You can access your email and stored messages from a web browser on any computer or Internet-connected device.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

 Advantages of SaaS

• Gain access to sophisticated applications. To provide SaaS apps to users, you don’t need to purchase, install, update, or maintain any hardware, middleware, or software. SaaS makes even sophisticated enterprise applications, such as ERP and CRM, affordable for organisations that lack the resources to buy, deploy, and manage the required infrastructure and software themselves.
• Pay only for what you use. You also save money because the SaaS service automatically scales up and down according to the level of usage.
• Use free client software. Users can run most SaaS apps directly from their web browser without needing to download and install any software, although some apps require plugins. This means that you don’t need to purchase and install special software for your users.
• Access app data from anywhere. With data stored in the cloud, users can access their information from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device. And when app data is stored in the cloud, no data is lost if a user’s computer or device fails. 

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

• Customization and integration. SaaS services enable deep customization so apps can be configured specifically to each customer’s requirements, including the functionality and look-and-feel of the product. Such systems can also be integrated with other business apps, especially across applications from a common software provider. 

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Data and analytics. With a SaaS application, all processes, data and files are carried out through a centralized platform, making it easy to collect, store and analyze data further, even for distributed teams.

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